Alperen Şengün born on 25 July 2002, is a Turkish professional basketball player currently affiliated with the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Holding the position of center, he has gained recognition as one of the most promising Turkish talents in the league, notably achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest recipient of the Basketball Super League’s Most Valuable Player Award at the age of 18 years and 10 months in 2021.
Şengün’s journey in basketball began in Giresun, northeast Turkey, where he was born on 25 July 2002. Despite his parents’ initial aspiration for him to pursue swimming, his passion for basketball, inspired by his older brother’s involvement in the sport, led him to choose basketball at the age of eight. His early years involved juggling both basketball and swimming, but practical constraints prompted him to commit solely to basketball.
From 2012 to 2014, Şengün played youth system basketball with the sports club of Giresun University. His talent caught the eye of head coach Ahmet Gürgen during a youth sports festival, leading him to join the youth teams of the Turkish club Bandırma, then known as Banvit, in northwest Turkey. By August 2014, Şengün had signed a youth contract with Banvit, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Şengün’s professional club career commenced with Bandırma Kırmızı in the 2018–19 TBL season, where he showcased his skills in Turkey’s second-division Turkish First League. Subsequently, he joined Teksüt Bandırma for the 2019–20 BSL season, contributing to both domestic and European competitions like the FIBA Basketball Champions League. In August 2020, Şengün signed a three-year contract with Beşiktaş, where he excelled, earning the MVP title in the Basketball Super League’s regular season.
The pinnacle of Şengün’s career arrived with his selection as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, later traded to the Houston Rockets. In his rookie season (2021–22), Şengün demonstrated his capabilities, recording notable performances, including a career-high 27 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The following season (2022–23), Şengün’s role expanded, becoming a full-time starter for the Rockets. His impressive displays garnered attention from NBA players like Nikola Jokić, who praised his skills and advocated for increased involvement in the team’s offense. Şengün’s achievements in his sophomore season included his first career triple-double and surpassing various records previously held by NBA legends.
Entering the 2023–24 season, Şengün continued to evolve, with the Rockets exercising his fourth-year option. Notably, he set new records as the youngest center in NBA history to achieve milestones such as 500 assists and 2000+ points, 1000+ rebounds, and 500+ assists. His stellar performances, including a career-high 37 points, affirmed his status as a rising star in the league.
On the international stage, Şengün has represented Turkey in various age categories, achieving success and recognition. Notably, he played a key role in Turkey’s campaign at EuroBasket 2022, leading the team in points and rebounds.
Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 243 pounds, Şengün possesses a versatile skill set that has drawn comparisons to prominent European and NBA big men. Analysts commend his efficient low-post game, elite passing ability, and court awareness. Despite questions about his defense, Şengün’s impact on both ends of the court has solidified his place as a promising force in the NBA.
As of the 2023–24 season, Alperen Şengün’s career statistics reflect consistent growth and impact, further establishing him as a rising star in the basketball world.
